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Home › Conditions › Stroke

Stroke

Subtypes of Stroke

Post-stroke cognitive impairment 7 Cerebral infarction 6 Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury 5 Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke 5 Post-stroke depression 5 Minor Ischemic Stroke 4 Post-stroke aphasia 4 Post-stroke spasticity 4 Delayed Cerebral Ischemia 3 Stroke-Associated Pneumonia 3 Cerebral ischemia 2 Lacunar infarction 2 Noncardioembolic Ischemic Stroke 2 Post-Stroke Epilepsy 2 Post-stroke Insomnia 2 Acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke (AIS) 1 Acute Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke 1 Acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion 1 Anterior circulation stroke 1 Central post-stroke pain 1 Cerebral ischemic events 1 Chronic left middle cerebral artery ischaemic stroke 1 High-risk transient ischemic attack 1 Ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack 1 Large ischemic stroke 1 Large-core ischaemic stroke 1 Non-large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke 1 Post-ischemic stroke aphasia 1 Post-stroke central facial paralysis 1 Post-stroke cricopharyngeal achalasia 1 Post-stroke delirium 1 Post-stroke depressive symptoms 1 Post-stroke dysphagia 1 Post-Stroke Hemiparesis 1 Post-stroke infection 1 Post-stroke language impairment 1 Post-stroke limb spasticity 1 Post-Stroke Memory Impairment 1 Post-stroke pain 1 Post-stroke sequelae 1 Post-stroke shoulder pain 1 Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome 1 Post-stroke tracheotomy 1 Post-stroke upper limb motor dysfunction 1 Posterior circulation ischemic stroke 1 Poststroke constipation 1 Right-hemispheric stroke 1 Stroke mimics 1 TIA 1 Atherosclerotic ischemic stroke 0 Stroke due to intracranial arterial stenosis 0 Stroke due to intracranial atherosclerosis 0

295 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Stroke

498 trials tracked for Stroke: 48 in phase 3 or 4 and 22 with published results. The most-cited published study has 415 citations.

498Trials tracked
48Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
22With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 13 Phase 3 35 Phase 2 81 Phase 1 20 Other / NA 349
  1. Phase 3 Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort (SHINE) Trial Completed · 415 cited
  2. Phase 3 Evaluation of the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure Device in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Versus Long Term Warfarin Therapy Completed · 124 cited
  3. Phase 3 Clinical Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Two Dose Levels of NT 201 Versus Placebo in Treating Chronic Troublesome Sialorrhea in Various Neurological Conditions Completed · 119 cited
  4. Phase 3 Insulin Resistance Intervention After Stroke Trial Completed · 108 cited
  5. Phase 3 Dabigatran Etexilate for Secondary Stroke Prevention in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (RE-SPECT ESUS) Completed · 104 cited
  6. Phase 3 Single Bolus Recombinant Nonimmunogenic Staphylokinase (Fortelyzin) and Bolus Infusion Alteplase in Patients With AIS Completed · 91 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 3 A Study in Chinese Patients to Compare How Tenecteplase and Alteplase Given After a Stroke Improve Recovering of Physical Activity Completed · 84 cited
  2. Phase 3 Study of Efficacy and Safety of MEXIDOL® in Ischemic Stroke Therapy Completed · 67 cited
  3. Phase 3 Multi-arm Optimization of Stroke Thrombolysis Completed · 54 cited
  4. Phase 4 Study to Assess Impact of Dysport Injections Early After Stroke on Upper Limb Spasticity Progression Completed · 48 cited
  5. Phase 4 Assess the Penumbra System in the Treatment of Acute Stroke Completed · 46 cited
  6. Phase 3 Clinical Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of NT 201 Compared to Placebo in the Treatment of Chronic Troublesome Drooling Associated With Neurological Disorders and/or Intellectual Disability Completed · 40 cited
  7. Phase 4 Safety, Tolerability and Effectiveness of Nuedexta in the Treatment of Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) Completed · 36 cited
  8. Phase 3 Apixaban for Early Prevention of Recurrent Embolic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Transformation Completed · 30 cited
  9. Phase 3 Japan Statin Treatment Against Recurrent Stroke (J-STARS) Completed · 26 cited
  10. Phase 3 Apixaban Versus Warfarin for the Management of Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation Completed · 22 cited
  11. Phase 3 Hypovitaminosis D in Neurocritical Patients Completed · 21 cited
  12. Phase 4 SEdation Versus General Anesthesia for Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Completed · 18 cited
  13. Phase 3 Safety and Efficacy of Alteplase When Administered in Chinese Patients With Acute Ischemic Hemispheric Stroke Where Thrombolysis is Initiated Between 3 and 4.5 Hours After Stroke Onset Completed · 17 cited
  14. Phase 3 Rivaroxaban vs. Warfarin for Post Cardiac Surgery Atrial Fibrillation Completed · 9 cited
  15. Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety of Mexidol® in Stroke Therapy Completed
  16. Phase 3 Phone-based Intervention Under Nurse Guidance After Stroke 2 Completed
  17. Phase 4 Comparative Efficacy of Three Preparations of Botox-A in Treating Spasticity Completed
  18. Phase 4 DOACs for Stroke Prevention Post Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation Completed
  19. Phase 4 Thrombectomy REvascularization of Large Vessel Occlusions in Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREVO) Completed
  20. Phase 4 Add-on Effects of Valsartan on Morbi- Mortality (KYOTO HEART Study) Completed
  21. Phase 4 PRoFESS - Prevention Regimen For Effectively Avoiding Second Strokes Completed
  22. Phase 4 Treatment for Post-Stroke Depression Completed
  23. Phase 4 Mobility Training Using a Bionic Knee Orthosis in Patients Chronic Post-Stroke: A Case Series Completed
  24. Phase 4 Rehabilitation of the Stroke Hand at Home Completed
  25. Phase 4 Post-marketing Clinical Study of Alteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke （Japan Alteplase Clinical Trial Ⅱ：J-ACT Ⅱ） Completed
  26. Phase 3 BOTOX® Treatment in Pediatric Upper Limb Spasticity Completed
  27. Phase 3 BOTOX® Open-Label Treatment in Pediatric Upper Limb Spasticity Completed
  28. Phase 3 Evaluation of Memantine Versus Placebo on Ischemic Stroke Outcome Completed
  29. Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Efficacy and Safety of MMH-MAP in the Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Early Recovery Stage After Ischemic Stroke Completed
  30. Phase 3 Augmenting Language Therapy for Aphasia: Levodopa Completed
  31. Phase 3 WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage System for Embolic PROTECTion in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  32. Phase 3 Warfarin Versus Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction (WARCEF) Trial Completed
  33. Phase 3 Global Study to Assess the Safety and Effectiveness of Edoxaban (DU-176b) vs Standard Practice of Dosing With Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  34. Phase 3 STRIPS: Shoulder Taping Reduces Injury and Pain in Stroke Completed
  35. Phase 3 Silent Cerebral Infarct Transfusion Multi-Center Clinical Trial Completed
  36. Phase 3 Randomized Evaluation of Long Term Anticoagulant Therapy (RE-LY) With Dabigatran Etexilate Completed
  37. Phase 3 Stenting vs. Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis Completed
  38. Phase 3 Locomotor Experience Applied Post Stroke Trial Completed
  39. Phase 3 An Efficacy and Safety Study of Rivaroxaban With Warfarin for the Prevention of Stroke and Non-Central Nervous System Systemic Embolism in Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Completed
  40. Phase 3 Prevention of Cardiovascular Events (eg, Death From Heart or Vascular Disease, Heart Attack, or Stroke) in Patients With Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin Completed
  41. Phase 3 Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea in Cerebrovascular Disease Completed
  42. Phase 3 Aspirin Resistance and Stroke Risk: Platelet Function Analysis in Patients With Ischemic Events Completed
  43. Phase 2 Safety Evaluation of 3K3A-APC in Ischemic Stroke Completed
  44. Phase 2 Prothrombin Times Outside the Therapeutic Range in Otherwise Stable Patients Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 498 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

Stroke: current evidence & treatments

Several interventions show promise for improving outcomes after stroke. Acupuncture has demonstrated consistent signals for dysphagia and depressive symptoms after ischemic stroke, though evidence for global disability is less consistent 1. Brain-computer interface training significantly improved global cognitive function (SMD=0.62) and attention/executive function in stroke survivors 2. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may enhance upper limb motor function, but evidence certainty is limited 3. Non-invasive brain stimulation combined with motor imagery improved upper limb motor function (WMD 5.75) and functional activity (SMD 1.18) 11. Non-invasive neural stimulation in subacute stroke also improved upper limb function and activities of daily living 25. Interactive cognitive-motor training improved mobility, gait, and dynamic balance in chronic stroke 18.

Pharmacological and interventional strategies have varying efficacy and safety. Tirofiban improved functional independence at 90 days (RR 1.13) but increased intracranial hemorrhage risk 6. Tenecteplase before endovascular thrombectomy showed no functional benefit over EVT alone in late-window stroke 10, and intracranial hemorrhage rates were higher with tenecteplase (14.4% vs 9.2%) in minor ischemic stroke 17. Endovascular thrombectomy significantly improved functional independence (OR 5.38) compared to medical management 20. Thrombectomy plus intra-arterial alteplase increased excellent functional outcome to 57.5% at 90 days 12. Extended-window alteplase increased favorable functional outcomes but raised hemorrhage risk 19. Triple pill therapy (telmisartan/amlodipine/indapamide) lowered recurrent stroke incidence after intracerebral hemorrhage 9. PFO closure reduced recurrent stroke risk by 44% in older patients with cryptogenic stroke 22. Apixaban reduced intracranial bleeding risk compared to aspirin in cryptogenic stroke with atrial cardiopathy 14. Nurse-driven service models reduced door-to-needle time by 16.72 minutes 21. Remote transitional care improved depressive symptoms (SMD -0.28) but not quality of life or readmission rates 8.

Biomarkers and mechanistic insights are emerging. High systemic immune-inflammation index at admission was linked to a 2.14-fold increased risk of post-stroke depression 7. Higher admission white blood cell count predicted favorable methylprednisolone effect after thrombectomy 13. Endothelial ferroptosis blockade is a potential target for ischemic stroke, but limitations remain before clinical application 5. NINJ1 targeting shows potential across neurological conditions but faces knowledge gaps 23. Atractylenolide III shows neuroprotective effects in preclinical CNS disorder models 24. Higher adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was associated with lower risks of stroke, depression, anxiety, and dementia 16. Structural barriers to stroke care in low-income countries include workforce shortages and fragmented care pathways; a localized AI and policy framework is proposed 4.

Key drugs in the evidence

tenecteplase 10 alteplase 9 aspirin 7 clopidogrel 5 placebo 3 ticagrelor 3 warfarin 3 tirofiban 3 antiplatelet therapy 3 apixaban 2

Latest findings

AI-generated synthesis of 24 cited studies, updated Jun 12, 2026. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
First-line suction aspiration versus combination technique for acute cerebral infarction in a multicenter trial
Neurology RCT
First-line suction aspiration versus combination technique for acute cerebral infarction in a multicenter trial Imagine waking up unable to move one side of your body. This sudden loss of control is a stroke. Every minute counts when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked. Doctors race to open the vessel and save brain tissue. Time is the most important factor in recovery
This prospective, randomized, multicenter, noninferiority, open-label trial enrolled 1136 patients with acute cerebral infarction amenable t…
Strokes are a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Apr 22, 2026
Network meta-analysis of speech therapy for poststroke aphasia finds no single superior approach
Neurology Meta-analysis
Network meta-analysis of speech therapy for poststroke aphasia finds no single superior approach Speech therapy improves quality of life after stroke, study finds
This network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in patients with poststroke aphasia synthesized evidence on speech therapy.
Speech therapy after stroke can improve quality of life, but no single approach was clearly better for language recovery in a large review.
Apr 22, 2026
Narrative review examines resveratrol in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS, and cerebral ischemia with noted limitations
Neurology Sys. Review
Narrative review examines resveratrol in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS, and cerebral ischemia with noted limitations This Common Food Compound May Shield Your Brain From Damage
This narrative review evaluates resveratrol across Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral ischemia.
A natural compound found in berries shows promise for protecting brain cells, but human proof is still missing.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Systolic BP 120-140 mm Hg after thrombectomy linked to better stroke outcomes
Neurology RCT
Systolic BP 120-140 mm Hg after thrombectomy linked to better stroke outcomes After Stroke Surgery, This Blood Pressure Range Leads to Better Recovery
This secondary analysis of the ENCHANTED2/MT randomized trial included 611 patients with successful reperfusion after endovascular thrombect…
For stroke patients who receive emergency clot-removal surgery, keeping blood pressure in a specific lower range in the first 24 hours can s…
Apr 22, 2026
Review of remote ischemic conditioning for ischemic stroke highlights mechanistic targets and clinical variability
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
Review of remote ischemic conditioning for ischemic stroke highlights mechanistic targets and clinical variability A Simple Arm Squeeze Could Help Protect the Brain After Stroke
This narrative review examines remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) for ischemic stroke, synthesizing evidence on neuroprotective mechanisms a…
A simple arm cuffing method shows promise for protecting the brain, but timing is everything.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Protocol outlines planned meta-analysis investigating non-invasive brain stimulation effects in post-stroke aphasia
Neurology Meta-analysis
Protocol outlines planned meta-analysis investigating non-invasive brain stimulation effects in post-stroke aphasia Brain Stimulation Rewires Speech Centers After Stroke, New Analysis Suggests
This publication is a protocol describing a planned meta-analysis focused on patients with post-stroke aphasia.
This research could finally explain exactly how non-invasive brain stimulation helps stroke patients regain their ability to speak.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Narrative review covers cardiovascular conditions and cognitive decline without reported trial data
Cardiology Sys. Review
Narrative review covers cardiovascular conditions and cognitive decline without reported trial data Your Heart and Brain Are Talking to Each Other
This narrative review addresses a broad scope of cardiovascular conditions, including stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and ischem…
Imagine your heart and brain as two best friends who never stop texting each other.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Network meta-analysis ranks acupuncture modalities for post-stroke upper limb dysfunction
Neurology Meta-analysis
Network meta-analysis ranks acupuncture modalities for post-stroke upper limb dysfunction Acupuncture Combos Boost Stroke Recovery — But Timing Matters
This systematic review and network meta-analysis of 103 studies synthesized evidence on acupuncture for post-stroke upper limb motor dysfunc…
This study reveals which acupuncture combinations work best — and when.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Umbrella review finds limited evidence for shock wave therapy in post-stroke spasticity
Neurology Meta-analysis
Umbrella review finds limited evidence for shock wave therapy in post-stroke spasticity Shock Wave Therapy Eases Stroke-Related Muscle Stiffness
This meta-analysis umbrella review synthesizes evidence on extracorporeal shock wave therapy for post-stroke spasticity.
This non-invasive treatment may help stroke patients move more freely and with less pain.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Meta-analysis suggests idarucizumab-enabled thrombolysis is feasible for dabigatran-treated stroke patients after AF ablation
Cardiology Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis suggests idarucizumab-enabled thrombolysis is feasible for dabigatran-treated stroke patients after AF ablation Reversing blood thinners may allow stroke treatment with good safety and recovery
This meta-analysis and case report review examines idarucizumab-enabled intravenous thrombolysis in dabigatran-treated patients with peripro…
Reversing dabigatran before stroke treatment appears safe, showing low bleeding and death rates with recovery similar to standard care.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Review of music therapy for motor, speech, and cognitive impairments in stroke, Parkinson's, and cerebral palsy
Neurology Sys. Review
Review of music therapy for motor, speech, and cognitive impairments in stroke, Parkinson's, and cerebral palsy Music therapy may help improve motor, speech, and cognitive function in neurological conditions
This narrative review examines the role of music therapy for patients with stroke, Parkinson's disease, or cerebral palsy.
A review suggests music therapy might improve motor, speech, and cognitive impairments for people with stroke, Parkinson's disease, or cereb…
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026
Review of ginsenoside CK shows potential antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects in cardiovascular disease models
Drug Pipeline Cohort
Review of ginsenoside CK shows potential antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects in cardiovascular disease models This Natural Compound Could Shield Hearts and Prevent Strokes
This review evaluated ginsenoside CK and protopanaxadiol type ginsenosides regarding cardiovascular conditions.
A specific compound from ginseng shows strong promise for protecting against heart disease and stroke.
Frontiers Apr 22, 2026

Questions about Stroke

Can machine learning help predict the outcome of my aphasia after a stroke?

Yes, machine learning can help predict aphasia recovery after stroke, with models achieving around 80% accuracy using factors like aphasia severity, cognitive performance, and education.

Full answer →
Can AI models distinguish between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke with high sensitivity?

AI models show high sensitivity for distinguishing hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke, with pooled data indicating 90.6% sensitivity for hemorrhagic cases.

Full answer →
How does a dance intervention compare to control for quality of life in chronic stroke?

A 12-week dance program significantly improved quality of life and cognitive scores in chronic stroke patients, whereas the control group's scores declined over the same period.

Full answer →
What percentage of chronic stroke participants had musculoskeletal adverse events during walking training?

About 32% of chronic stroke participants experienced musculoskeletal adverse events during moderate- to high-intensity walking training.

Full answer →
Can six weeks of reactive balance training help adults with chronic stroke?

Six weeks of reactive balance training is feasible for adults with chronic stroke and does not increase anxiety, though specific fall-risk improvements depend on individual function.

Full answer →
Can repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation help with stroke motor recovery?

Yes, repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) can improve upper limb motor function, daily living, and spasticity after stroke, especially when combined with other therapies.

Full answer →
Are Chinese herbal medicine trials for acute stroke less likely to report safety than Western trials?

Yes, a 2026 review found that only 49.6% of Chinese herbal medicine trials for acute stroke reported safety outcomes, compared to 83.6% of Western medicine trials.

Full answer →
Which feeding tube is better for me if I have ischemic stroke and swallowing trouble?

For ischemic stroke with swallowing trouble, intermittent oro-esophageal tube feeding (IOE) may be better than nasogastric tube feeding (NG) for improving nutrition, swallowing function, and reducing pneumonia, but discuss options with your doctor.

Full answer →
See all 17 questions about Stroke →